The California Energy Utility That May Have Sparked the Deadly Camp Fire Has Filed for Bankruptcy
5 years, 11 months ago

The California Energy Utility That May Have Sparked the Deadly Camp Fire Has Filed for Bankruptcy

Slate  

On Monday evening, the board of directors of Pacific Gas and Electric, the investor-owned energy utility that serves 16 million people throughout Northern California, voted to file for bankruptcy. Consumer advocates and politicians have derided PG&E’s move to file for bankruptcy, claiming the investors who own PG&E are attempting pass the burden of their debt and failure to maintain equipment onto customers. PG&E said earlier this month that it faced about 50 lawsuits from at least 2,000 plaintiffs from the November Camp Fire alone—and that’s on top of about 700 lawsuits from at least 3,600 plaintiffs relating to fires sparked in 2017. Filing for bankruptcy could also push some of PG&E’s mountainous liability to its customers, though any rate increase would have to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, the state regulatory agency that oversees PG&E. At the end of January, the Red Cross and officials from Butte County said they plan to close the last official evacuation shelter still operating after the Camp Fire, at the Silver Dollar Fair Ground in Chico, California, potentially leaving 600 of the most desperate residents of the area, who were living in either provisional dormitories or in tents and cars in the parking lot, with nowhere to go.

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History of this topic

PG&E hit with $225-million lawsuit for 2021 Dixie fire damages
9 months ago

PG&E hit with $225-million lawsuit for 2021 Dixie fire damages

LA Times  

Flames consume vehicles as the Dixie fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Northern California’s Plumas County in July 2021. The complaint, filed Wednesday by Oregon-based Collins Pine Co. and six affiliated timber businesses with property in the Collins Almanor Forest in Plumas and Tehama counties, alleges that PG&E failed to properly manage the forest and electrical equipment to …

California Supreme Court says PG&E can’t be sued over safety-related power shutoffs
1 year, 1 month ago

California Supreme Court says PG&E can’t be sued over safety-related power shutoffs

LA Times  

PG&E crews clear a damaged power pole after the Camp fire, which state investigators blamed on the utility’s equipment. Such litigation would interfere with the California Public Utilities Commission’s “comprehensive regulatory and supervisory authority” over such safety shutoffs and is therefore barred under state law, Justice Goodwin Liu wrote in a unanimous decision for the state’s high court. It said …

Ex-PG&E execs to pay $117M to settle lawsuit over wildfires
2 years, 3 months ago

Ex-PG&E execs to pay $117M to settle lawsuit over wildfires

Associated Press  

OAKLAND, Calif. — Former executives and directors of Pacific Gas & Electric have agreed to pay $117 million to settle a lawsuit over devastating 2017 and 2018 California wildfires sparked by the utility’s equipment, it was announced Thursday. The settlement was announced by the PG&E Fire Victim Trust, which was established to handle claims filed by more than 80,000 victims …

Former PG&E executives agree to $117-million settlement over California wildfires
2 years, 3 months ago

Former PG&E executives agree to $117-million settlement over California wildfires

LA Times  

All but a few homes in the Pine Grove Mobile Home Park were destroyed in the Camp fire in 2018. Former executives with utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric have reached a $117-million settlement agreement in connection with the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2018 Camp fire, officials said. Under its bankruptcy plan, PG&E allowed the Fire Victim Trust …

California utility to pay $55 million for massive wildfires
2 years, 9 months ago

California utility to pay $55 million for massive wildfires

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pacific Gas & Electric has …

PG&E blamed for massive Northern California wildfire
3 years ago

PG&E blamed for massive Northern California wildfire

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pacific Gas & Electric power lines sparked last summer’s Dixie Fire in Northern California that swept through five counties and burned more than 1,300 homes and other buildings, state fire officials said Tuesday. It was the second-largest fire in state history and the latest of several of California’s largest and deadliest blazes to be blamed PG&E equipment …

Texas company behind huge electricity bills seeks bankruptcy
3 years, 9 months ago

Texas company behind huge electricity bills seeks bankruptcy

Associated Press  

The company that drew attention after sending huge electricity bills to customers after last month’s blackout-causing winter storm in Texas has filed for bankruptcy protection. Griddy said ERCOT kept wholesale prices at the state’s legal cap — $9,000 per megawatt hour — for too long. Griddy’s bankruptcy plan proposes to waive claims against customers for charges they incurred from Feb. …

PG&E wildfire victims sue former management for neglect
3 years, 10 months ago

PG&E wildfire victims sue former management for neglect

LA Times  

A trust representing victims of deadly wildfires ignited by Pacific Gas & Electric’s rickety electrical grid is suing nearly two dozen of the utility’s former executives and board members. A trust representing more than 80,000 victims of deadly wildfires ignited by Pacific Gas & Electric’s rickety electrical grid is suing nearly two dozen of the utility’s former executives and board …

PG&E emerges from bankruptcy
4 years, 6 months ago

PG&E emerges from bankruptcy

LA Times  

PG&E, which has emerged from bankruptcy nearly a year and a half after filing for protection under Chapter 11, plans to sell its downtown San Francisco headquarters and move to Oakland. “Our emergence from Chapter 11 marks just the beginning of PG&E’s next era — as a fundamentally improved company and the safe, reliable utility that our customers, communities and …

Judge to OK $58B plan to end PG&E bankruptcy after wildfires
4 years, 6 months ago

Judge to OK $58B plan to end PG&E bankruptcy after wildfires

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A federal judge on Friday said he was approving a $58 billion plan by the nation’s largest utility to end a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after Pacific Gas & Electric’s outdated equipment ignited wildfires in California that killed more than 100 people, wiped out entire towns and led the company to confess to crimes driven …

PG&E fined $4 million in deaths of 84 people in 2018 fire
4 years, 6 months ago

PG&E fined $4 million in deaths of 84 people in 2018 fire

Associated Press  

Pacific Gas & Electric on Thursday was fined $4 million for the deaths of 84 people killed in a nightmarish Northern California wildfire ignited by the its long-neglected electrical grid. The maximum penalty assessed by Butte County Superior Court Judge Michael Deems was a mere formality, given that PG&E reached a plea agreement three months ago to resolve manslaughter and …

Power company PG&E to plead guilty to 84 deaths from California wildfire
4 years, 6 months ago

Power company PG&E to plead guilty to 84 deaths from California wildfire

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The hearing before Superior Court Judge Michael Deems comes nearly three months after PG&E reached a plea agreement in …

PG&E pleads guilty to 84 deaths in 2018 California wildfire
4 years, 7 months ago

PG&E pleads guilty to 84 deaths in 2018 California wildfire

Al Jazeera  

‘Our equipment started that fire’, utility’s CEO says as company admits to involuntary manslaughter in California court. PG&E Chief Executive Officer Bill Johnson entered individual guilty pleas on Tuesday on behalf of the company for 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the fire, which was blamed on the company’s crumbling electrical grid. “PG&E will never forget the Camp …

PG&E takes a big step toward emerging from bankrupty as regulators OK the utility’s overhaul
4 years, 7 months ago

PG&E takes a big step toward emerging from bankrupty as regulators OK the utility’s overhaul

LA Times  

A traffic cone sits next to a Pacific Gas & Electric truck. California regulators approved PG&E Corp.’s $58-billion reorganization plan, bringing the power giant another step closer to exiting the biggest utility bankruptcy in U.S. history. “PG&E is a recalcitrant criminal, and I’m going to do everything within my power to protect the people of California from further crimes and …

PG&E plans to pay its $4-million fine for involuntary manslaughter out of fire victims fund
4 years, 9 months ago

PG&E plans to pay its $4-million fine for involuntary manslaughter out of fire victims fund

LA Times  

Pacific Gas & Electric vehicles at the PG&E Oakland Service Center. Pacific Gas & Electric, the utility that has pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the 2018 Camp fire, plans to pay its $4-million fine from a fund set aside for victims of the blaze. “The district attorney worked hard to hold PG&E responsible for its crime, …

Editorial: It’s no government takeover of PG&E, but it’s still a possibility for the state’s most dangerous utility
4 years, 9 months ago

Editorial: It’s no government takeover of PG&E, but it’s still a possibility for the state’s most dangerous utility

LA Times  

It’s not the government takeover that many Californians were hoping for in light of the massive utility-sparked fires in recent years and the bungled “public safety power shutoffs” last fall. Gavin Newsom struck with Pacific Gas & Electric last week to let the state’s largest and most dangerous utility exit out of bankruptcy will bring some badly needed new oversight …

PG&E pleads guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter over Camp fire
4 years, 9 months ago

PG&E pleads guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter over Camp fire

LA Times  

In a federal filing Monday permanently documenting its role in causing California’s deadliest wildfire, Pacific Gas & Electric announced it has pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the 2018 Camp fire in the Northern California town of Paradise. Hiatt said the plea “is a big thing” not just for Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & …

Regulators boost PG&E’s wildfire fine to $2.1 billion
4 years, 10 months ago

Regulators boost PG&E’s wildfire fine to $2.1 billion

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — California power regulators on Thursday slapped Pacific Gas & Electric with a $2.1 billion fine for igniting a series of deadly wildfires that landed the beleaguered utility in bankruptcy. Several consumer groups had protested the settlement as too lenient in light of PG&E’s destruction, and the California Public Utilities Commission agreed after further review. The San Francisco …

Judge rips PG&E for poor safety record leading to wildfires
4 years, 10 months ago

Judge rips PG&E for poor safety record leading to wildfires

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — A U.S. judge ripped into Pacific Gas & Electric on Wednesday, saying its executives have put greed before safety and telling officials from the utility blamed for catastrophic California wildfires to plan to add at least 1,100 more tree trimmers to cut the risk of even more blazes. “I am going to do everything I can to …

PG&E banking on big profits after utility leaves bankruptcy
4 years, 10 months ago

PG&E banking on big profits after utility leaves bankruptcy

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas and Electric says it expects to become more profitable than ever after it emerges from bankruptcy and pays off more than $25 billion in losses sustained in catastrophic wildfires ignited by its outdated equipment. The losses reported Tuesday primarily stemmed from the cost of covering various settlements reached with PG&E’s wildfire victims as part of …

PG&E and California governor at odds over bankruptcy plan
4 years, 11 months ago

PG&E and California governor at odds over bankruptcy plan

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric attorneys on Wednesday assured a federal judge the utility will emerge from bankruptcy by its June deadline, even as California Gov. PG&E’s bankruptcy plan requires support from the governor and the state’s chief regulator, giving Newsom unusual leverage as the utility seeks to qualify for a wildfire insurance fund state lawmakers approved last …

PG&E says it has reached $13.5 billion wildfire settlement
5 years, 1 month ago

PG&E says it has reached $13.5 billion wildfire settlement

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Pacific Gas and Electric announced Friday it has reached a tentative $13.5 billion settlement resolving all major claims related to the deadly, devastating Northern California wildfires of 2017-2018 that were blamed on its outdated equipment and negligence. “From the beginning of the Chapter 11 process, getting wildfire victims fairly compensated, especially the individuals, has been our primary …

Judge keeps a California law on utilities paying fire damages
5 years, 1 month ago

Judge keeps a California law on utilities paying fire damages

LA Times  

A federal bankruptcy court judge on Wednesday rejected Pacific Gas & Electric’s latest attempt to change a California law requiring utilities to pay for the devastation from wildfires ignited by their electrical equipment. The decision issued by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali preserves a long-standing principle known as “inverse condemnation.” The century-old law helped drive the nation’s largest utility into …

US power firm PG&E reportedly offers $13.5bn in fire compensation
5 years, 2 months ago

US power firm PG&E reportedly offers $13.5bn in fire compensation

Al Jazeera  

Bankrupt utility giant PG&E Corp. is offering $13.5 billion in compensation to the victims of wildfires sparked by its power lines as part of a restructuring plan, according to people with knowledge of the situation. PG&E has spent months trying to come up with a restructuring plan that would get it out of the biggest utility bankruptcy in U.S. history …

Gov. Gavin Newsom hints at government control of PG&E if bankruptcy effort fizzles
5 years, 2 months ago

Gov. Gavin Newsom hints at government control of PG&E if bankruptcy effort fizzles

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom demanded Friday that Pacific Gas & Electric shareholders and executives, wildfire victims, bondholders and other parties involved in the company’s bankruptcy convene in Sacramento next week to work out a deal — and threatened to craft a government-led plan to restructure the state’s largest utility if an agreement isn’t reached quickly. “If the parties fail to reach an …

The Hopelessness of Wildfire Season
5 years, 2 months ago

The Hopelessness of Wildfire Season

Slate  

Fires are roaring across California again. Officials haven’t determined the cause, but a jumper cable connecting PG&E equipment to a transmission tower near Kincade Road failed just minutes before officials say the fire began in the same location. Right now, PG&E would rather pull the plug on hundreds of thousands of people across large areas of the state for a …

PG&E loses exclusive control of its bankruptcy recovery plan
5 years, 3 months ago

PG&E loses exclusive control of its bankruptcy recovery plan

LA Times  

PG&E has lost the exclusive right to submit a plan to reorganize its debts so that it can emerge from bankruptcy. California power giant PG&E Corp. was stripped of its right to exclusively pitch a reorganization plan in court, escalating an already heated battle over the largest utility bankruptcy in U.S. history. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali said he’ll allow …

A swift fall from political power for PG&E, California’s largest utility
5 years, 4 months ago

A swift fall from political power for PG&E, California’s largest utility

LA Times  

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has struggled to find friends at the state Capitol after years of massive wildfires and claims of mismanagement. “Many legislators thought it was one ask too many from PG&E this session, even if they agree with the policy,” said Steven Maviglio, a veteran Democratic strategist hired by the company’s shareholders to push the proposal this …

PG&E looks to cap wildfire costs at $18 billion through its bankruptcy plan
5 years, 4 months ago

PG&E looks to cap wildfire costs at $18 billion through its bankruptcy plan

LA Times  

The Paradise Inn goes up in flames on Nov. 9, 2018, during the Camp fire, which tore through Paradise, north of Sacramento. California utility giant PG&E Corp. is proposing to cap the wildfire liabilities that forced it into bankruptcy at about $18 billion — less than half of what victims and insurers have said they’re owed. PG&E’s plan kicks off …

California needs a big pot of money for wildfires. But how big? And who pays?
5 years, 6 months ago

California needs a big pot of money for wildfires. But how big? And who pays?

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom speaks at the California for All: Emergency Management Preparedness Summit on June 3 in Sacramento. Stock analysts predict that Southern California Edison could follow Pacific Gas & Electric into bankruptcy if Newsom fails to calm the energy markets and a major wildfire hits in Southern California, leaving victims across the state struggling to recoup their losses from insolvent …

Officials: PG&E equipment sparked deadly California wildfire
5 years, 8 months ago

Officials: PG&E equipment sparked deadly California wildfire

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. power lines sparked a Northern California blaze that killed 85 people last year, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century, state fire officials said Wednesday. Cal Fire said transmission lines owned and operated by the San Francisco-based utility started the Nov. 8 fire that nearly destroyed the town of Paradise …

PG&E power lines caused California’s deadliest fire, investigators conclude
5 years, 8 months ago

PG&E power lines caused California’s deadliest fire, investigators conclude

LA Times  

An aerial view shows the destruction in Paradise following the Camp fire in November. Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have concluded that Pacific Gas & Electric equipment sparked the devastating Camp fire that destroyed nearly 14,000 homes and killed 85 people, most of them elderly, last year. The conclusion of the probe marks a milestone …

Who’s responsible for California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire?
5 years, 9 months ago

Who’s responsible for California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire?

Al Jazeera  

While the official state investigation is ongoing, California’s largest utility company PG&E has admitted that its equipment likely caused the fire. It turns out that utility tower is part of a century-old high-voltage transmission line that PG&E had designated five years earlier as needing an overhaul, and which the company knew posed a safety risk but kept delaying the work. …

California Power Provider PG&E Files For Bankruptcy In Wake Of Fire Lawsuits
5 years, 11 months ago

California Power Provider PG&E Files For Bankruptcy In Wake Of Fire Lawsuits

NPR  

California Power Provider PG&E Files For Bankruptcy In Wake Of Fire Lawsuits Enlarge this image toggle caption Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images Updated at 1:03 p.m. Chapter 11 "is really the best way to deal comprehensively with all the liabilities they have," says University of California, Berkeley, law professor Ken Ayotte, an expert on corporate bankruptcy. Enlarge this image …

PG&E files for bankruptcy protection. Here’s why that could mean bigger electricity bills
5 years, 11 months ago

PG&E files for bankruptcy protection. Here’s why that could mean bigger electricity bills

LA Times  

PG&E Corp., which owns California’s largest electric utility, filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in anticipation of huge legal claims, starting an unpredictable process that could take years to resolve and is likely to result in higher energy bills for the millions of Californians who depend on Pacific Gas & Electric for power. PG&E’s bankruptcy could slow California’s fight against climate …

PG&E hasn’t run out of money. So why is it planning to file for bankruptcy?
5 years, 11 months ago

PG&E hasn’t run out of money. So why is it planning to file for bankruptcy?

LA Times  

Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, outside the state Capitol on Tuesday, has urged lawmakers not to let PG&E go bankrupt. In an emailed statement, PG&E spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said the company’s board unanimously chose to pursue a Chapter 11 filing “following a comprehensive review with the assistance of outside experts and at management’s recommendation.” “Resolving our legal liabilities and financial challenges …

Utility seeks bankruptcy protection over California fires
6 years ago

Utility seeks bankruptcy protection over California fires

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — The nation’s largest utility said Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because it faces at least $30 billion in potential damages from lawsuits over the catastrophic wildfires in California in 2017 and 2018 that killed scores of people and destroyed thousands of homes. PG&E, which is the nation’s largest utility by revenue and is based …

California utility tied to wildfires to file for bankruptcy
6 years ago

California utility tied to wildfires to file for bankruptcy

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Pacific Gas and Electric, facing billions of dollars in claims over the deadly 2018 Camp Fire, is headed to bankruptcy court. PG&E, the state’s largest utility, said Monday it will file for bankruptcy on January 29, after a 15-day waiting period required by California law. “The people affected by the devastating Northern California wildfires are …

PG&E to file for bankruptcy as wildfire costs hit $30 billion. Its stock plunges 52%
6 years ago

PG&E to file for bankruptcy as wildfire costs hit $30 billion. Its stock plunges 52%

LA Times  

PG&E Corp. said Monday it plans to seek bankruptcy protection because it faces potential liabilities of $30 billion or more from the deadly California wildfires, a move that halved its already battered stock price and prompted its chief executive to quit. PG&E said it “does not expect any impact” to the electric and natural-gas services delivered to the utility’s 16 …

PG&E Plans To File For Bankruptcy Over Possible Liability In California Wildfires
6 years ago

PG&E Plans To File For Bankruptcy Over Possible Liability In California Wildfires

NPR  

PG&E Plans To File For Bankruptcy Over Possible Liability In California Wildfires Enlarge this image toggle caption David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Updated at 4 p.m. The state's fire agency, Cal Fire, determined in June that PG&E equipment had sparked 17 wildfires across Northern California in 2017. If PG&E is found legally responsible …

Pacific Gas & Electric CEO quits following deadly California wildfires
6 years ago

Pacific Gas & Electric CEO quits following deadly California wildfires

Daily Mail  

Geisha Williams, the first Latina CEO of a Fortune 500 company, steps down as PG&E faces possibly billions in liabilities and possible murder charges The CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric resigned Sunday and employees could learn this week if the utility will declare insolvency while facing billions of dollars in liability over its role in recent California wildfires. No …

What would happen if PG&E sold its gas business or filed for bankruptcy?
6 years ago

What would happen if PG&E sold its gas business or filed for bankruptcy?

LA Times  

An aerial view of destruction by the Camp fire in Paradise, off Clark Road, on Nov. 15, 2018. UPDATE: Battered by wildfires and scandals, PG&E files for bankruptcy » The consequences of bankruptcy or an asset sale could ripple far beyond the utility’s shareholders, some experts say, affecting 16 million Californians who depend on PG&E for energy and potentially threatening …

PG&E stock dives on reports it may face $30 billion in fire liabilities and may file for bankruptcy
6 years ago

PG&E stock dives on reports it may face $30 billion in fire liabilities and may file for bankruptcy

LA Times  

Volunteers in November search for human remains in the rubble of homes burned in the Camp fire in Paradise, Calif. PG&E Corp. stock dived more than 20% Monday morning on reports that the California utility could face at least $30 billion in liability related to fires and has considered filing for bankruptcy protection. PG&E has said a transmission line in …

Devastating Wildfires Force California's Largest Utility To Plan Sale Of Gas Assets
6 years ago

Devastating Wildfires Force California's Largest Utility To Plan Sale Of Gas Assets

NPR  

Devastating Wildfires Force California's Largest Utility To Plan Sale Of Gas Assets Enlarge this image toggle caption Noah Berger/AP Noah Berger/AP Updated at 6:29 p.m. Sponsor Message All net proceeds from the sale of PG&E's gas division would be used to set up a fund to pay billions of dollars in potential claims from wildfires, the sources said. Wildfire damages …

Criminal charges against PG&E possible if utility is found responsible for recent wildfires, prosecutors say
6 years ago

Criminal charges against PG&E possible if utility is found responsible for recent wildfires, prosecutors say

LA Times  

Cars sit among one of the many commercial businesses destroyed in Paradise, Calif., by the Camp fire. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. could be charged with murder or involuntary manslaughter if authorities determine that recent deadly California wildfires ignited as a result of the “reckless” operation or maintenance of power lines, state prosecutors said. Gen. Xavier Becerra’s office detailed potential …

California utility’s role in wildfires under scrutiny
6 years ago

California utility’s role in wildfires under scrutiny

CNN  

CNN — As investigators seek to determine the cause of the deadliest wildfire in California history, the culprit that fire officials have linked to more than a dozen fires that ravaged large swaths of Northern California last year is again in the hot seat. Last year alone, PG&E equipment caused 17 fires, often after falling branches or trees came into …

After California fires, PG&E proposes raising electricity bills to bolster precautions
6 years, 1 month ago

After California fires, PG&E proposes raising electricity bills to bolster precautions

CNN  

CNN — California utility Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is asking for a rate hike of almost $2 billion from customers, saying more than half will go toward wildfire safety. In a proposal submitted Thursday to the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E is asking for $1.1 billion in new revenue in 2020, including $576 million for the Community Wildfire Safety …

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